Method of and apparatus for treating artificial fibers



Sept. 7, 1937. J. P. LAlRD ET AL. 2,092,125

METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR TREATING ARTIFICIAL FIBERS Filed Sept. 22, 1956 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 W M M W U m w Z m 5 0 w m .5 KM E 1| mm Iv 1 RN w m N, 4. .H WHHHHHM a o mm mm m, u l m mm Q. if 55 as \wm. xiii WW m, H1 2 @w mm 2 \www Hv wv! I Qv t mw ww hm} VM .1 L 1 .1 mm m 4% a %w R w b? m3? Bwfi Raw 4% mw Sept 7, 937- J. P. LAlRD ET AL METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR TREATING ARTIFICIAL FIBERS Filed Sepfi. 22, 1956 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 JOs eph P auLLair lie/Z C. JZcbdei-haagei; @244 05;

Sept. 7, 1937. J. P. LAIRD ET AL METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR TREATING ARTIFICIAL FIBERS Filed Sept. 22, 1936 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Jbsepiz Baal Lela,

is C, Jvfederila Patented Sept. 7, 1937 UNlTED STATES PATENT ()FFICE METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR TREAT- ING ARTIFICIAL FIBERS Vania Application September 22, 1936, Serial No. 102,036

20 Claims.

Our invention relates to new and useful improvements in a method of and apparatus for treating artificial fibers, and in its broadest as pects is somewhat similar to the invention shown and described in an application filed by us on June 5, 1935, bearing Serial Number 25,190.

In the application above-mentioned, the rayon cakes were locked in position between individual soft sponge rubber pads, there being a spring tension means associated with each four cakes so that the rayon cakes might elongate vertically to some extent.

The present invention, however, contemplates an apparatus wherein each rayon cake-is individually clamped between sponge rubber pads, there being a hydraulic clamping means associated with each individual cake, thereby providing a far greater flexibility of operation than was present in the aforementioned device.

Furthermore, the present invention contemplates an apparatus which is so arranged that the upper pads are held in fluid-sealed contact with the cakes by hydraulic pressure, but this hydraulic pressure is intermittently relieved, so that fluid pressure internally of the cakes now being greater will cause each individual cake to expand independently of the others and also cause its hydraulically-held soft rubber pad to slightly raise, as will be fully described as the specification proceeds.

Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus whereby the hard cake structure may be broken down to a point wherein it is sufiiciently soft to allow the outside threads of the cake to contract without the resistance of the inner part of the cake causing them to stretch beyond their limit, which would ruin the fibers.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a hydraulic means externally of the cake, together with a fluid pressure means internally of the cake, and to so arrange the hydraulic means that a vertical movement of the upper sponge rubber pad is possible without any extreme force being used, thus allowing the structure of the cake to elongate and then again be slightly compressed, which, in cooperation with the internal fluid pressure, will change the cake from a hard cake to a soft one or, as it is known in the trade, break down the cake sufficiently to allow the outside threads to contract without any resistance from the inner threads.

As is well known, it is extremely important when treating artificial fiber, such as rayon, that all of the fibers be evenly treated and that none of the threads be unevenly stretched.- If

the threads are unevenly stretched, their diameter or denier will be changed, which would result in the rejection of the thread.

Also, in the ordinary washing of rayon cakes, when the cake contracts, the inner threads form a resistance and the outer threads, on contracting, will be stretched beyond their correct denier, thus causing the outer threads to be faulty.

In the present instance, where the cakes are allowed to intermittently expand vertically and a pulsating pressure applied internally of the cake, any tendency for stretching on the outside of the cake is overcome, as the cake is readily softened so that there is no undue stretching of the outer threads.

Still another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus for individually treating each artificial cake, wherein the cake is held by hydraulic pressure between two soft rubber pads and wherein internal pressure is directed to each cake. Also, the hydraulic pressure is intermittently relieved, so that the internal pressure now being greater will cause a slight expansion of the cake vertically and permit the hydraulically-held pads to raise until such time as the hydraulic pressure is again built up to thus cause a regular vertical expansion and compression of the cake and thereby soften the same so that none of the threads, internally or externally, will be unduly stretched.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a form of balanced internal pulsating pressure with relation to a hydraulic external pressure, which is intermittently relieved, so that the internal pulsating or surging pressure will cause the weave to be slightly opened and then closed, causing the fluid to be forced through different interstices in the cake and thus provide a most complete washing.

It might be mentioned at this time that when we speak of washing the cake it includes a complete treatment, such as washing, bleaching, sulphurizing, etc. We have even found that a dye may be passed through the cakes when in this apparatus and the threads will retain'an even and firm color.

Generally speaking, the invention contemplates an apparatus including a receptacle, in which are mounted a plurality of relatively thin sponge rubber pads centered about inlet nipples. Over these nipples are placed slightly tapered perforated glass inserts, and over which are individually placed the artificialthread cakes, which will hereafter be spoken of as the rayon cakes. Also mounted above the glass inserts are the further sponge rubber pads, which are connected to the pistons of hydraulic cylinders. These pistons are so arranged that they may be quickly and conveniently raised or lowered for the insertion or removal of the cakes, and each piston, when in its operative position, may be set to clamp its individual cake as tightly as desired, regulating means being provided for limiting the lowermost position of the pad and its piston.

Into this hydraulic system is placed an intermittent pressure relief valve, which functions about once every twenty seconds, so that for a short period of time the pressure is partially relieved.

Means are also provided for furnishing an internal fluid pressure for each cake, and into this system there is placed a means for causing intermittent pulsation, which pulsations are arranged to operate at a frequency of about three hundred a minute. Thus, as the internal pulsati'ng pressure of about eighteen pounds is constant within the cakes and the pressure on the hydraulic pistons is relieved every twenty seconds, the internal pressure (liquid pressure within the cake) will cause (that is, seconds) the hydraulically-held pad to slowly rise between a quarter and a half inch and will also cause the cake to slightly expand, allowing the basket weave of the cake to be open and accurately permit the liquid to be forced through the cake and thus causing a softening of the threads of the cake.

The hydraulic cylinders will be allowed to rise slightly, as above mentioned, when the pressure is relieved, as the fluid above the pistons, although not now under a forced pressure, will have to be forced back through the valves through which it entered, as the multiple valves are not changed during the washing of the cake. This takes an appreciable period of time, and during this period, the relief valve is again shut off, so that the pistons, although allowed to rise slightly, never are moved to such an extent that the'fluid seal could be broken.

When the intermittent relief pressure valve is again closed, the greater pressure (which can be determined and set after the machine has operated for a short time) in the hydraulic cylinders will cause the cake to be further slightly compressed.

As-this cycle of compression and elongation of the cake takes place, the cake is broken down, so that the external threads are not stretched beyond their correct size during contraction, as has heretofore been the fault found in cake washmg.

Generally, the method consists of clamping, in a fluid-tight manner, a series or rows of cakes of rayon between sponge rubber pads by hydraulic pressure, wherein the upper respective pads are capable of a slight vertical intermittent movement while forcing the liquid internally through the cakes by a rapid pulsating pressure to cause this movement, the cake retaining its original form but causing a complete breaking down or softening of the relatively hard cake and thus allowing the outsidethreads of the cake to contract without stretching.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a method of and apparatus for treating rayon cakes that are held in a hydraulic manner between soft sponge rubber pads, so that each cake may be individually washed and treated in the quickest possible manner and the cakes will be rendered soft and pliable, and wh in every twenty the contraction may take place in an even manner so that all of the threads will retain their same denier at the end of the washing.

It will be understood that when we say that the cakes retain their same form, it is true that they contract slightly and will shape themselves about the glass insert, but the cake will not b flattened to any great extent, which is general in numerous other methods employed for treating rayon cakes.

With these and other objects in view, the invention consistsin certain new and novel features and combination of parts, as will be hereinafter more fully explained and pointed out in the claims.

Referring now to the drawings showing a preferred embodiment,

Fig. 1 is a front elevation of our improved apparatus, parts being shown in section for clearness of illustration;

Fig. 2 is an end view of the apparatus, one of the pistons, together with the sponge rubber disc, being shown in an elevated position;

Fig. 3 is a sectional detail view of the intermittent pressure relief valve for the hydraulic cylinders;

Fig. 4 is a sectional detail taken on the line 4-4 of Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is a detail vertical sectional view of the multiple valve for the hydraulic cylinders;

Fig. 5 is a top plan view thereof;

Fi 5 is an end view thereof viewed from the handle side;

Fig. 6 is a vertical sectional view of one of the hydraulic cylinders with its piston fully elevated and showing the rubber disc attached to the end of the piston rod;

Fig. 7 is a vertical sectional view of the pulsator;

Fig. 8 is a diagrammatic plan view of the pulsator and pump and their operating mechanism;

Fig. 9 is a diagrammatic plan view of the hydraulic cylinder pump, the pressure relief valve, and the operating mechanism;

Fig. 10 is an enlarged vertical sectional view of' one of the rayon cakes shown clamped between the sponge rubber sert within the cake;

Fig. 11 is a detail top plan view of the disc carried by the hydraulic piston and to which the upper sponge rubber pad is secured;

Fig. 11* is a detail of the sponge rubber pad;

Fig. 12 is an enlarged side elevation of the glass insert over which the rayon cake is placed; and

Fig. 1.2 is a top plan view thereof.

Referring now more specifically to the drawings, and for the moment to Fig. 1, there is shown an apparatus for the treatment of rayon cakes in the form of a skeleton frame consisting of the upright ends I, the bottom rails 2, the lower cross bars 3, the upper cross bars 4, and the top I- beams 5. Also in this frame there are the further cross bars 6 secured to the uprights I, on which are supported the longitudinal I-beams 1, on which may rest the cross rails 8 which, in turn, support the trough 9 in which the rayon cakes C are treated.

The present unit is designed to accommodate eight rayon cakes, but it will be understood that these units may be of a larger size or capacity, if desired, and any number of units may be placed on the floor, depending on the capacity of the output wished to be obtained.

Internal pressure system still referring to Fig. 1, there may be seen a piping system, there being shown one of the two pipes in which extends under four cakes. In a similar manner, the other pipe l (see Fig. 2) extends under the other four cakes. These pipes are connected to the branch pipe II, which is fed from the pipe i2 that is connected to the short pipe i3, which leads from the pressure pump Hi to be driven by a chain H from a motor i5 of the desired horsepower.

Although the present method and apparatus do not contemplate using a pressure and then a vacuum, still the motor may be of the reversible type, so that if under any circumstances it is ever desired to create a vacuum in the cake, this might be provided for.

In addition to the pump 14 driven by the motor 15, there is a sprocket I6, which, through the chain 17, operates the reduction gear l8, which, through the shaft l9, revolves the eccentric 20 to operate the pit-man 2! that operates the pulsator 22, which is preferably made out of hard rubber and includes the casing 23 and the soft rubber diaphragm 24 operated by the rod 25,

- which may be of metal with a hard rubber covering, and the rod is connected to the heretoforementioned pitman 2!.

There may be seen the inlet and outlet 26 to the chamber 21, this inlet and outlet 26 being in the pressure line, that is, connected to the pipe i2, so that as the pump forces the fluid through the pipe i3 and the pipe l2, there is not only created a fluid pressure, but there is also created a pulsating or surging pressure, due to the operation of the diaphragm 26, and the ratio of the worm gear to the reduction gear is such that the pulsations occur about three hundred per minute. The pump M is supplied from the inlet supply pipe 28, there being a valve 29 for cutting off the supply, when desired.

The fiuid supplied to the pump will be the fluid that is used for the washing or bleaching or desulphurizing, depending on what treatment is to be supplied to the cake.

As heretofore mentioned, we have found that it is possible to dye the rayon while in cake form, and it will be understood that the dye would be supplied to the pipe 29 rather than the chlorine bleach or acid wash, as above-mentioned.

Also connected to the pipe l2 may be seen the gauge l 2', so that the pressure may be constantly watched and regulated, and likewise in the line there is a relief valve I2 to regulate or entirely out off the pressure, when desired.

Still referring to Fig. 1, there may be seen a discharge pipe 30 arranged in the bottom of the trough, together with its valve 3|, that will lead to a convenient sewer or trap when it is wished to empty the trough, or the pipe 30 may be so arranged that the fluid can be recirculated through the apparatus, if so desired.

Also arranged in the bottom of the trough may be seen a plurality of nipples 33 connected with the pipe III, the nipples passing centrally through the respective sponge rubber pads 34 and the hard rubber discs 35 (see Fig. 10), the sponge rubber pads 34 being of slightly greater diameter than the cake C and preferably about threeeighths of an inch in thickness. These pads are similar to the ones shown in our co-pending application, Serial Number 25,190.

The hard rubber discs 35 are held in position by the nuts 35', which, in turn, clamp the soft rubber pads in position, and these hard rubber discs taper slightly about their periphery, so that the frusto-conical shaped glass inserts 36 may be quickly centered over these hard rubber discs, the glass inserts also being centrallyarranged of the lower supporting sponge rubber pads.

These glass inserts are perforated, as at 36, that is, on their sides and on their tops, while the diameter of the inserts is substantially half an inch less than the diameter of the core' of the cakes and about half an inch less in height than the normal height of the cakes, so that after the cakes soften and are slightly compressed, the insert will not prevent the upper sponge rubber pad, about to be mentioned, from retaining a. fluid-tight seal with the rayon cake.

By providing a glass insert that is substantially the same diameter of the core of the cake, the cake can be broken down, that is, softened, and still not depart materially from its originalform or shape.

As heretofore mentioned, it is objectionable to have the cake flattened out, and by providing the glass insert, the cake may contract slightly laterally and expand and contract vertically and still retain its somewhat tapered circular cross section. Also, by providing a glass insert, the insert is not affected by the chemicals, and the rayon threads may be easily removed from these glass inserts without disrupting their formation.

As far as the specification has proceeded, it will be understood that there is a means for providing a pulsating pressure internally of the respective cakes, which cakes, in turn, are mounted on soft rubber pads in a trough, each cake being placed over a glass insert, which is slightly less in diameter than the core of the cake and slightly less in height than the height of the cake.

It will also be seen that this arrangement differs from that shown in our co-pending application, Serial Number 25,190, in that there is a pulsating pressure, which is more efficient than an alternating pressure and vacuum, as the rapid pulsating pressure permits the interstices of the cake to constantly change to thus cause the fluid to find new outlets at each pulsation and more thoroughly wash and break down the hard cake structure.

Having thus explained the internal pressure system, reference is now made to the hydraulic means for clamping the cake and allowing the cake to expand and be compressed as the pressure is relieved in the hydraulic system.

Now it is highly desirable that the rayon cakes be allowed to expand slightly longitudinally under pressure, so that the cakes can break down or soften and contract without causing undue stretching of the outer threads of the cake beyond their desired denier, as if these threads 'once become so stretched, they will not properly take the dye.

It is also desirable that the cakes C be sealed against fluid pressure while being subjected to the treatment, but, at the same time, it is highly necessary that the sealing means be relatively soft or elastic, which is provided for by the sponge rubber pad. It is further necessary that besides this relatively soft elastic seal, the sponge rubber pad be allowed to yield or rise slightly, so that the cake, when the internal pressure is applied, may elongate as the weave slightly opens and then be somewhat compressed.

In the co-pending application heretofore mentioned, a long bar with a toggle and spring arrangement was provided, which would permit the upper sponge pads to move slightly vertically, but we have found in actual practice that a more sensitive arrangement permitting the raising and lowering of the pads independently of each other is much more desirable.

We have also found that an excellent means is provided by furnishing separate hydraulic cyl- 5 inders and pistons, wherein the pressure may be relieved in an even manner and again be built up in an even manner, thus not subjecting the edges of the cake to any sudden shocks.

Hydraulic cylinders These hydraulic cylinders 4| per se form no part of the present invention, with the exception that the lower ends of the piston rods are internally threaded to receive the screws 31. There may be seen the washer 38 and the disc or plate 39, to which, in turn, is cemented the heretoforementioned sponge rubber pad 34'. The plate and pad may be seen in detail in Figs. 11 and 11', respectively.

Although sponge rubber is preferably used, other forms of soft rubber might be utilized.

Referring for the moment to Fig. 6 wherein one of the hydraulic cylinders and its piston is shown in detail, it will be seen that there is the cylinder 4| with the opposite heads or ends 42 and 43 held by the rods 44, while within the cylinder is the piston head 45 formed of two parts 45 and 45 The portion 45' has the integral rod 45 which fits within an integral sleeve 45 of the part 45, while between the two parts of the head is inserted the packing 45 The rod 45 is slightly longer than the sleeve 45 and is threaded, as at 45, so that when the nut 45 is pulled up, it will pull the two parts of the head together to compress the packing to thus make a fluid-tight piston. A look nut 45 is then locked against the nut 45 to hold the two parts in position.

There is also shown the inlet port '41 above 40 the piston head and a similar port 48 below the piston head. To the port 41 is connected the pipe 41', which extends to a port in the multiple valve48, while the port 48 is connected to the pipe 48', which also extends to another port in this multiple valve 49, which will shortly be described more in detail.

The lower end of cylinder head 43 is bored and internally threaded, as at 50, so that a setscrew 5i may be threaded therein to provide a micrometer adjustment for the lower limit to which the piston may travel. In other words, 2. raising or a lowering of this screw will determine just how far the pad 34' may be lowered when clamping a rayon cake C, as shown in Fig. 1.

Rather than using oil in the hydraulic cylinders, we use soapy water, so that if there is any leakage or drip from the hydraulic cylinders,

it will not in any way contaminate the artificial fibers. i

Any desirable form of multiple valve may be used and we have shown one that has proved very eflicient in Figs. 5, 5, and 5'.

Multiple valve the handle in one direction will cause the sleeve to operate in the opposite direction.

Now this sleeve is provided with the ports- The casing is provided with the main inlet port 48 and the one inlet port 41 and the other inlet port 48", the port 41" being 5 connected to the pipe 41 at the top of the hydraulic cylinder and the port 48" being connected to the pipe 48' at the bottom thereof.

Also there may be seen in the sleeve 49 the port 49* extending to the center of the aforementioned-sleeve, and from this sleeve is the relief pressure pipe 48 that leads back into the accumulator, as will shortly be mentioned.

The position shown in Fig. 5 of the multiple valve will permit the fluid pressure to enter the port 49 and pass through the port 48 into the port, 48", which, it will be remembered, connects with the pipe 48' to the bottom of the hydraulic cylinder to thus force the piston 45 20 to its uppermost position, the fluid above the piston being allowed to pass out the ports 49 and 49 through the center sleeve and out the pipe 49 When it is desired to force the piston and 25 piston head downwardly to clamp the rayon cake in position, the handle 49 will be forced inwardly to pull the valve sleeve outwardly, so that the port 49' will now be moved to the left of Fig. 5 and the end of the sleeve 49 will pull away from 30 its seat 49 and close the port 48" and, at the same time, open the port 41", thus causing the fluid pressure to enter the pipe 41' and force the piston head downwardly and allowing the fluid in the port 48" to pass out past the end 35 of the sleeve 49 and into the relief pipe 49 Thus, it will be seen that a movement of the handle wfll cause the piston, head to assume either its uppermost or lowermost position, depending on the position of said handle. 40

It will be understood that after the rayon cake is in position and the piston head is in its lowermost position, there is no means of raising it except by the pressure within the cake or by operating the handle 49, which latter is only 45 done after the cake has been thoroughly washed. However, the pressure above the piston head is intermittently relieved by means of a relief valve, shortly to be described.

Having explained the individual hydraulic cyl- 50 inders and pistons, together with their cooperative multiple valve, reference is now made to the manner in which the hydraulic cylinders are arranged in the complete system.

Now referring to Fig. 1, there is shown a 55 means for furnishing the fluid pressure for these hydraulic cylinders and pistons, which includes a motor 53, which, through the chain 53', drives the pressure pump 54. This pressure pump 54 is piped, as at 55, and connected, as at 58, 57, 60 58, and 59, to the respective inlet ports 49 From each of the multiple valves, it will be remembered, there is the pressure relief port 49 which ports are, respectively, connected to the pipe 68, which extends to the accumulator 6|, the pipe 60 65 extending beyond midway the height of the accumulator. From the bottom of the accumulator is the pipe 58', which is connected to one side of the pressure pump 54.

By piping the accumulator in this manner, any air in the line will be entrapped, at 63, in the upper portion of the accumulator and thus keep the airfrom the hydraulic pistons and cylinders.

In Fig. 1, there may also be seen the pipe 41', which leads from the multiple valve to the upper portion of the cylinder, and likewise the pipe 48', which leads from the multiple valve to the lower portion of the cylinder, so that an operation of. the handle of the multiple valve may direct the fluid pressure to enter above or below the piston head, as has heretofore been described.

To provide for balancing pressure, we have provided the by-pass 68 connected with the pressure pipe 55, as at 68', and also with the relief pressure pipe 60, there being interposed the relief pressure valve 69 and a gauge 10. This relief valve may be set at any desired pressure but should always be greater than the pressure within the cake, so that when the relief pressure is cut off, the cake will be sure to be compressed. The amount of this pressure can also determine how much the cake will be compressed. In this way, a desired balance between pressures may be carefully arranged.

One of the important features of the invention is the provision of means for providing an intermittent pressure relief, so that although the rayon cakes are always under sufficient pressure to provide a fluid seal, still the cakes are intermittently allowed to expand longitudinally, due to the pressure internally of the cakes at times being greater than the hydraulic pressure, which pressure will also cause the hydraulic pistons to be slightly raised, together with their rubber pads. As the greater pressure is further built up in the hydraulic cylinders, the cakes will again be compressed, the pistons and the rubber seals lowering between a quarter and a half inch.

Different types of relief valves may be utilized, and different means of operating them may also be employed. In Fig. 9, a diagrammatic top plan view, there is shown one form of intermit tent pressure relief valve and operating means.

This Valve M is operated from the motor 53 by a sprocket chain 53 which drives the reduction gear 53 to, in turn, rotate the shaft 12 provided with the cam 13, which will operate the intermittent pressure relief valve 14.

The relief valve 14 consists of the casing 14' with the inlet port I5 and the outlet port 16, together with the plunger 11 with its port 18.

' There may also be seen the spring I9 in back of the plunger, which spring has a set-screw 80, so that the plunger will always be forced against its cooperating cam 13.

It will be noticed that the outlet port I6 of the intermittent pressure relief valve is connected by the pipe 16' to the pipe 60' on the relief side, while the inlet port 15 is connected by the pipe 15' with the pipe 55 on the pressure side of the hydraulic system, so that when the plunger is in its lowermost position, as shown in Fig. 3, the ports 15 and 16 do not communicate through the port 18 and the pressure at this moment will not be relieved, but will be built up in the hydraulic cylinder. However, as the plunger is forced upwardly by the cam 13, so that the ports will be in communication, the pressure will immediately drop in all of the hydraulic cylinders, because the pressure in the line 55 will by-pass through the relief valve into the pipes 16' and 60, that is, from the pressure side of the pump to the intake side thereof.

The reduction gear is such that the cam 13 is adapted to make one revolution approximately every twenty seconds, so that every twenty seconds the pressure will drop, thus permitting the internal pressure system within the cakes, which is approximately 18 pounds, to slowly and slightly elevate the respective pistons of the hydraulic cylinders between a quarter and a half inch.

It will be understood that when it is stated that the pistons do not rise over a quarter to a half inch, it is assumed that the handlesof the three-way valves are in the position shown in the last three cylinders in Fig. 1, or, in other words, in the opposite position to that shown in Fig. 5, that is, with the pistons in their lowered position to clamp the cake.

After each cake has been thoroughly treated, the internal pressure will be cut off and the handles of the multiple valves will be operated to force the liquid under the piston heads to elevate them, as shown in the first of the hydraulic cylinders in Fig. 1, so that the cakes in their nowsoftened condition may be removed for the next cycle of the operation.

Thus, it will be seen that the hydraulic pressure can be set so that it will overbalance the internal pressure and the upper sponge rubber pads 34' carried by the hydraulic pistons will compress the cakes slightly until such time as the pressure is relieved in the hydraulic cylinders. As this pressure is relieved, the cakes will expand longitudinally in a slow and even manner, and expansion together with the pressure will elevate these rubber pads 34' until such time as the pressure again builds up in the hydraulic cylinders, which, being set at a greater pressure than the internal pressure, will again compress the cakes slightly, it being remembered that the stroke is generally not less than a quarter of an inch or over a half of an inch.

It will also be remembered that the pressure within the cakes is a pulsating one, with the pulsations occurring at the rate of about three hundred per minute, which will cause the wash to be forced through the interstices. However, the pressure, not being constant, will not force the threads tightly against one another but will, at each pulsation, cause the material to open different pores and interstices for the liquid wash.

By combining the intermittent pressure relief every twenty seconds, together with the internal pulsations of a rapid nature, the hard cake structure is broken down in such a manner that the outside threads may contract without any undue resistance caused by the inner part of the cake.

It will be understood that the cake still maintains substantially its original form, the glass inserts preventing any undue flattening of the cake or any changing of the diameter of the core, and this is desirable, as it makes the unwinding far less difieult.

By using this hydraulic system whereby each cake has its own hydraulic cylinder, there is no necessity of any mechanical means to raise and lower the upper soft rubber pad during the treatment of the cake. At the same time, the pressure in the internal pressure system can be balanced with respect to the hydraulic pressure, that is, so that the hydraulic pressure is slightly greater than the internal pressure, except when the pressure is relieved, and the cake can be thoroughly washed and treated in the least possible time.

After running the machine for a few minutes, the correct pressure for both the hydraulic system and the internal pressure can be determined and the valves set, so that the machine can then be operated continuously without change.

It will also be seen that all variations in the consistency, thickness, and height of the cake are automatically compensated for, and a micrometer exactness can be had by the aforementioned limiting screws in the respective bases of the hydraulic cylinders.

In conclusion, it is evident that we have provided a most efficient method and apparatus for treating artificial fiber in package or in cake form wherein the internal and external threads receive the same treatment and wherein the hardness of the cake can be broken down into a soft pliable mass, overcoming any possibility of the outer threads being damaged by stretching beyond their correct size.

Many slight changes might be made, such as using a different form of pulsator, a different driving means, or a different form of relief valve, just so that the functions, above outlined, may be carried out without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Having thus described our invention, what we claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patv ent is:

1. A method of treatingwartificial' fiber which consists in clamping the fiber in cake form between pads of elastic material to form a fluid seal, forcing fluid under a pulsating pressure through 5 said cake, and intermittently partially relieving the clamping pressure to thereby permit the elonation of said cake'during the said treatment.

2. The method of treating artificial fiber which consists in clamping the fiber in cake form between pads of highly compressible material to form a fiuid seal, one of said pads being hydraulically held in clamping position, forcing fluid under pulsating pressure through said cake and intermittently partially relieving the hydraulic clamping pressure during the pulsating pressure treatment, the hydraulic clamping pressure always retaining, however, a fluid-tight seal with the cake but intermittently allowing the elongation of said cake during the pulsating pressure treatment.

3. A method of treating artificial fiber which consists of clamping the fiber in cake form between pads of elastic material to form a fluid seal, one of said pads being hydraulically held in clamping position, forcing fluid under pressure through said cake and intermittently partially relieving the hydraulic clamping pressure to thereby intermittently permit the elongation of said cake due to the fiuid pressure internally of said cake.

4. The method of treating artificial fiber cakes which consists in clamping the artificial cakes individually between pads of highly compressible material to form a fluid seal with each respective cake, one of said pads for each cake being hydraulically held in clamping position, forcing fluid under pulsating pressure through each of said cakes and intermittently relieving the hydraulic clamping pressure on each of said cakes during the pulsating pressure treatmenti, the hydraulic clamping pressure always retaining, however, a fluid seal with each respective cake but intermittently allowing the elongation of said cakes during the pulsating pressure treatment.

5. A method of treating artificial fiber which consists in clamping the fiber in cake form between pads of elastic material to form a fluid seal, the cake also being placed about a core of slightly less diameterthan the diameter of the core of the cake and of slightly less height than the height of the cake, one of said pads being hydraulically held in position, forcing fluid pressure through said core and said cake and intermittently relieve ing the hydraulic clamping pressure but at all timesretaining the fluid pressure seal to thereby intermittently permit the elongation of said cake to thereby break down the cake and permit the outer strands of the cake to contract without any resistance from the inner strands of the cake.

6. The method of treating rayon cakes which consists in supporting a cake about an insert and clamping the cake between two sponge rubber pads, forcing fluid under a pulsating pressure internally of the cake, partially relieving the clamping pressure to thus allow the cake to expand longitudinally, and then compressing the cake -slightly and continuing said operation until the cake has become a relatively soft pliable mass and positioned about said insert.

7. The method of treating artificial fiber which consists in placing the cake about an insert, fluidsealing the ends of the cake, forcing aliquid under pulsating pressure through said cake and intermittently relieving the clamping pressure to thereby break down the cake into a soft pliable mass and permit an even shrinkage of the fibers of said cake.

8. The method of treating a plurality of artificial fiber cakes which consists in individually clamping the cakes between sponge rubber pads, subjecting the cakes to an internal pulsating fiuid pressure, intermittently lowering the clamping pressure'whereby the internal pressure will cause said cakes to elongate and then raising the clamping pressure and slightly compressing the cakes and continuing said operations until the cakes become a relatively soft pliable mass which allows for an even shrinkage of all of the fibers of said cake.

9. An apparatus for treating artificial fiber cakes comprising a trough, a sponge rubber. pad in said trough, a fluid inlet through said pad, hydraulic means for holding an upper pad to clamp the cake between said pads, means for forcing fluid pressure through said cake, means for intermittently relieving the hydraulic clamping pressure but still retaining the cake in fluidseal contact with said pad.

10. An apparatus for treating artificial fiber cakes comprising a. pan, a sponge rubber pad in said pan, a fluid inlet through said pad, hydraulic means for holding a second pad to clamp the cake under fluid pressure seal at all times between said pads, means for forcing fluid under a pulsating pressure through said cake, means for intermittently relieving the hydraulic clamping pressure but still retaining the cake in fluid-seal contact with said pad to thereby intermittently cause the cake to elongate and be slightly compressed longitudinally to thus break down the cake into a soft pliable mass.

11. An apparatus for treating artificial fiber cakes comprising a receptacle, a sponge rubber pad in said receptacle, an insert placed. on said pad and said insert and said pad adapted to sup.- port a rayon cake, a second soft rubber pad hydraulically supported over said first-mentioned pad and adapted to hold the cake between said pads in a fluid-seal manner, means for forcing fluid under pulsating pressure internally of the cake, means for intermittently partially relieving the hydraulic clamping pressure but still retaining the cake in fluid-seal contact with said pads whereby the cake may intermittently elongate and be compressed while subjected to the internal fluid pressure to thereby break down the cake into a soft pliable mass arranged about said insert.

12. An apparatus for treating an artificial fiber cake including means for hydraulically clamping the cake between sponge rubber pads,

means for forcing fluid under pulsating pressure internally of the cake, means for intermittently relieving the hydraulic pressure but still retaining the fluid seal whereby the cake will alternately be slightly compressed and allowed to elongate to thereby break down the cake into a relatively soft pliable mass.

13. An apparatus for treating an artificial fiber cake including means for hydraulically clamping the cake between sponge rubber pads, an insert within the core of the cake of slightly less diameter and height than the cake, means for forcing fluid under pulsating pressure internally of the insert in the cake, means for intermittently lowering the hydraulic pressure below that of the internal pressure but still retaining the fluid seal whereby the cake will be intermittently compressed and allowed to elongate to thereby break down the cake into a relatively soft pliable mass about said insert.

14. An apparatus for treating an artificial fiber cake including means for hydraulically clamping the cake between sponge rubber pads, an insert within the core of the cake of. slightly less diameter and height than the respective diameter of the core of the cake and the height of the cake, means for forcing fluid under a rapid pulsating pressure internally of the insert and cake, means for intermittently lowering the hydraulic pressure but still retaining the fluid seal whereby the cake under the influence of the greater internal pressure will slightly expand vertically and raise the hydraulic compression means, the continued operation causing the cake to contract into a relatively soft pliable mass about said insert without any undue strain on the outer fibers of said cake.

15. An apparatus for treating a plurality of artificial fiber cakes including a trough for the reception of said cakes, sponge rubber pads in said trough, an inlet pipe through said pads, a plurality of hydraulic means provided, respectively, with soft rubber pads whereby each cake is hydraulically clamped, means for forcing a fluid pressure in a pulsating manner internally of said cake, and means for intermittently relieving the pressure in said hydraulic means to a point lower than that of the internal pressure whereby the cakes may expand and contract while still being held in-fiuid-sealed contact, thus causing the cakes to break down into a relatively soft pliable mass.

16. An apparatus for treating artificial fiber cakes consisting of a plurality of hydraulic cylinders and pistons, a multiple valve for each hydraulic cylinder, means for forcing fluid pressure through all of said hydraulic cylinders, sponge rubber pads carried by each of said pistons, a plurality of soft rubber pads disposed, respectively, beneath the first-mentioned soft rubber pads to thereby clamp each cake under a hydraulic cylinder, the last mentioned pads being provided with fluid inlets, means for forcing fluid pressure in a pulsating manner internally of, the cake while clamped in position, means for intermittently relieving the hydraulic pressure in all the cylinders whereby the internal pressure will intermittently cause the cakes to elongate to thereby break down the cakes into a relatively soft pliable mass,

17. An apparatus for treating artificial cakes comprising a plurality of hydraulic cylinders and pistons, individual multiple valves for setting said pistons, a piping system connecting all of said hydraulic cylinders, means for forcing fluid under pressure to said hydraulic cylinders, an accumulator in said system, means for intermittently relieving the pressure in said cylinders and for passing the same to the accumulator, each of the pistons carrying a soft rubber pad, a pan, further soft rubber pads disposed in said pan whereby rayon cakes may be clamped between said pads, fluid inlets extending through one set of pads and means for supplying fluid pressure thereto, means for causing the last-mentioned pressure to pulsate, means for over-balancing the said fluid pressures whereby the upper rubber pads may be slightly raised when the pressure is lower-ed in the hydraulic cylinders to thereby permit an alternating elongation and slight compression of the cakes while being treated.

18. An apparatus for treating rayon fiber cakes consisting in part of rubber pads for supporting the cake, hydraulic means provided for clamping the pads in a fluid-sealed manner, an accumulator connected with the hydraulic cylinders, and means for intermittently partially relieving the pressure in the hydraulic cylinders and directing it to the accumulator.

19. An apparatus for treating rayon fiber cakes including in part means for hydraulically clamping the cakes in a fluid-sealed manner, means for relieving the hydraulic pressure but still retaining the cakes in a fluid-sealed condition, means for forcing the pulsating pressure through the cakes and causing the cakes to expand during the time that the hydraulic pressure is relieved whereby the cakes may contract laterally without any undue strain on any of the fibers of said cakes.

20. An apparatus for treating artificial fibers in cake form including means for forcing fluid under pulsating pressure through the cake, means for hydraulically clamping the cake during such treatment, means for relieving the hydraulic clamping pressure but retaining the fluid seal, and means within the cake for preventing undue flattening of said cake but allowing the cake to contract laterally without any undue stress on the outer fibers of said cake.

JOSEPH PAUL LAIRD. FREDERICK C. NIEDERHAUSER. 

